Alberta is a province that boasts a stunning mix of bustling cities, breathtaking natural parks, and charming villages. From the vibrant streets of Calgary to the serene landscapes of Jasper National Park, this road trip will take you through some of Canada's most iconic destinations.

Stops along the Alberta Road Trip

Calgary (3-4 days)

Calgary, known for its towering skyscrapers and vibrant cultural scene, is the perfect starting point for your Alberta road trip. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this city offers a blend of urban attractions and outdoor adventures. The city's modern skyline is juxtaposed against the backdrop of the rugged Rocky Mountains, creating a unique atmosphere where urban sophistication meets natural beauty.

Sights

• Calgary Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Rockies from this iconic tower. The glass floor observation deck offers a thrilling perspective of the bustling city below.
• Calgary Zoo: Home to a wide variety of animals and beautiful botanical gardens, this zoo is a fantastic destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Heritage Park Historical Village: Step back in time at Canada's largest living history museum, where you can explore historical buildings and ride on an old steam train.
• Prince's Island Park: A lovely urban park ideal for picnics, walks, and enjoying nature along the Bow River. It hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
• Fish Creek Provincial Park: One of the largest urban parks in North America, offering extensive trails, picnic spots, and a chance to experience nature within the city limits.
• Nose Hill Park: A vast natural park with stunning views of Calgary's skyline and the surrounding prairie landscape.
• Devonian Gardens: An indoor botanical garden located in the heart of the city, featuring tropical plants, koi ponds, and a playground for children.
• Peace Bridge: A striking pedestrian bridge spanning the Bow River, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.
• Bowness Park: A family-friendly park with a lagoon for paddle boating, picnic areas, and beautiful pathways.
• Calgary Farmers' Market: A bustling market with fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique crafts, perfect for sampling local flavors.
• Weaselhead Flats: A natural area with trails and diverse wildlife, ideal for bird watching and nature walks.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park (2-3 days)

Located in Kananaskis Country, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning mountain scenery and a variety of recreational activities. The park's vast wilderness areas are perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Sights

• Upper Kananaskis Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by hiking trails and picnic areas, offering opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
• Chester Lake: A popular hiking destination known for its clear waters, wildflowers, and surrounding peaks.
• Mount Pocaterra: Offers challenging hikes and breathtaking views of the Kananaskis Range.
• Lower Kananaskis Lake: Great for fishing, kayaking, and hiking, with scenic views of the mountains.
• Rawson Lake: A scenic lake accessible via a moderately difficult hike, known for its serene beauty.
• Ptarmigan Cirque: A short but steep hike leading to alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.
• Sarrail Ridge: Offers stunning views of the Kananaskis Lakes and surrounding mountains.
• King's Creek Ridge: A rewarding hike with panoramic mountain views and diverse flora.

Spray Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country (1-2 days)

Spray Valley Provincial Park is known for its dramatic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The park's rugged terrain includes deep valleys, high peaks, and crystal-clear lakes.

Sights

• Spray Lakes Reservoir: A picturesque reservoir perfect for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
• Troll Falls: A short hike leading to a charming waterfall, especially beautiful in the winter when it freezes over.
• East End of Rundle: A challenging hike with rewarding views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
• Lillian Lake: A beautiful alpine lake accessible via a scenic hike, ideal for fishing and relaxing.
• Galatea Creek to Lillian Lakes Trail Head: A popular hiking trail offering stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls, and clear lakes.

Banff National Park of Canada (3-4 days)

Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, turquoise lakes, and towering mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.

Sights

• Moraine Lake: A glacially fed lake known for its striking blue-green color, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
• Lake Louise: One of the most famous lakes in the world, surrounded by mountain peaks and offering canoeing and hiking opportunities.
• Peyto Lake: A glacier-fed lake with a distinctive wolf-head shape, offering one of the most iconic views in the Canadian Rockies.
• Lake Minnewanka: A large glacial lake offering boat tours, hiking trails, and picnic spots.
• Sulphur Mountain: Home to the Banff Gondola and stunning panoramic views of the Bow Valley.
• Bow Lake: A beautiful lake along the Icefields Parkway, perfect for photography and short hikes.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs: Natural hot springs with breathtaking mountain views, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
• Bow Falls: A powerful waterfall located near the town of Banff, offering scenic views and photo opportunities.
• Valley of the Ten Peaks: A stunning valley with ten prominent peaks, offering some of the most picturesque scenery in the Rockies.
• Banff Gondola: Take a scenic ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding mountains.
• Vermilion Lakes: A series of lakes known for their stunning reflections of Mount Rundle, ideal for photography and bird watching.
• Tunnel Mountain: A popular hike offering panoramic views of Banff and the Bow River Valley.
• Lake Agnes: A beautiful lake with a historic teahouse, accessible via a scenic hike from Lake Louise.
• Castle Mountain: A striking mountain visible from the Trans-Canada Highway, offering challenging hikes and stunning views.
• Mount Rundle: A prominent mountain offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views of Banff and the surrounding area.
• Sentinel Pass: A high mountain pass with breathtaking views, accessible via a challenging hike.
• Grassi Lakes: Two turquoise lakes accessible via a scenic hike, perfect for photography and relaxing.
• Johnston Canyon: A spectacular canyon with waterfalls, walking trails, and stunning scenery.
• Cascade Ponds: A great spot for picnics and enjoying the scenery, with clear water and beautiful views.
• Two Jack Lake: A picturesque lake perfect for kayaking, photography, and picnicking.

Jasper National Park (3-4 days)

Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, is known for its vast wilderness, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. The park offers numerous outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to wildlife viewing and stargazing.

Sights

• Maligne Lake: A stunning lake famous for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering mountains and featuring the iconic Spirit Island.
• Athabasca Falls: A powerful waterfall with impressive force and beauty, located along the Icefields Parkway.
• Maligne Canyon: A deep, narrow canyon with waterfalls, walking trails, and stunning geological formations.
• Sunwapta Falls: A pair of waterfalls known for their beauty and power, located along the Icefields Parkway.
• Spirit Island: One of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, located on Maligne Lake.
• Jasper SkyTram: Offers breathtaking views of Jasper and the surrounding mountains, accessible via a scenic ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain.
• Mount Edith Cavell: Known for its rugged beauty, Angel Glacier, and stunning hiking trails.
• Medicine Lake: A picturesque lake with mysterious disappearing waters, surrounded by mountains and forests.
• Pyramid Lake: A serene lake with a stunning mountain backdrop, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
• Miette Hot Springs: Natural hot springs perfect for relaxation, located in a beautiful mountain setting.
• Patricia Lake: A tranquil lake ideal for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Beauvert Lake: A beautiful lake known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings.
• Valley of the Five Lakes: A series of five stunning lakes with vibrant colors, accessible via a scenic hike.
• Horseshoe Lake: A popular swimming spot with clear, deep waters, perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Annette Lake: A beautiful lake with sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and picnicking.
• The Jasper Planetarium & Dark Sky Telescope Tours: Offers a unique stargazing experience, perfect for learning about the night sky and observing celestial objects.

Edmonton (2-3 days)

Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is a vibrant city known for its cultural attractions, parks, and festivals. The city's diverse offerings make it an excellent final stop on your road trip, combining urban excitement with natural beauty.

Sights

• Muttart Conservatory: Features unique pyramid-shaped greenhouses with diverse plant collections from around the world.
• Alberta Legislature Building: A historic building with beautiful architecture and gardens, offering guided tours.
• Fort Edmonton Park: A living history museum depicting Edmonton's past, with reconstructed buildings and costumed interpreters.
• Elk Island National Park: Known for its bison and stunning natural landscapes, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing.
• Hawrelak Park: A popular park with walking trails, a lake, and picnic areas, often hosting festivals and events.
• University of Alberta Botanic Garden: Features beautiful gardens, including a Japanese garden, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
• Rundle Park: A large park with walking trails, a golf course, and a playground, ideal for families.
• Mill Creek Ravine: A scenic ravine with walking and biking trails, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
• Edmonton Corn Maze: A fun and challenging corn maze for all ages, open seasonally.
• View from High Level Bridge: Offers stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River and downtown Edmonton.
• Emily Murphy Park: A riverside park with picnic areas and walking trails, perfect for a leisurely day out.
• Whitemud Park: A large park with trails, picnic areas, and diverse wildlife, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Good to Know

• Language: English is the official language, though you might encounter French speakers as well.
• Currency: The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
• Transportation: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Alberta. Public transportation is available in major cities but is limited in rural areas.
• Climate: Alberta experiences a range of climates. Summers can be warm and winters very cold. Always be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in the mountains.

Alberta is known for its diverse wildlife, including elk, bison, and bears. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and follow park guidelines. Cell phone coverage can be limited in remote areas, so plan accordingly.

Getting There

• By Air: Major airports include Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Direct flights are available from many international destinations.
• By Train: VIA Rail offers scenic train routes across Canada, though train travel within Alberta is limited.
• By Car: Renting a car is the best way to explore Alberta at your own pace. The province has an extensive network of highways and scenic byways.

Best Time to Travel

The best time to travel to Alberta is during the late spring to early fall (May to September). During this period, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The summer months (June to August) offer the warmest temperatures and the most daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the national parks, hiking, and enjoying the lakes. Fall (September to October) provides cooler temperatures, stunning autumn foliage, and fewer crowds, creating a more tranquil experience. Winter (November to April) is perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains, but road conditions can be challenging.

For Foodies

• Alberta Beef: Known for its high quality, Alberta beef is a must-try. Enjoy a perfectly grilled steak at one of the many local steakhouses.
• Local Breweries: Alberta has a growing craft beer scene. Visit local breweries in Calgary and Edmonton for a taste of unique, locally brewed beers.
• Farmers' Markets: Explore farmers' markets in cities like Calgary and Edmonton to sample fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local delicacies.
• Ethnic Cuisine: Alberta's diverse population means a wide variety of international cuisines. From Asian to Middle Eastern, you'll find a rich array of dining options.

An Alberta road trip offers a perfect blend of urban experiences and natural wonders. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a culture buff, or a foodie, this journey promises unforgettable memories and spectacular scenery. Start planning your adventure today and discover the magic of Alberta!